The Journey of Advent Told Through Stories

Advent is a time of reflection, anticipation, and celebration as we prepare our hearts for the coming of Christ. Rooted in the Latin word adventus, meaning "coming" or "arrival," this season invites us to focus on the hope, peace, joy, and love found in Jesus. Traditionally, Advent begins four Sundays before Christmas, with each week centered around a theme represented by the lighting of a candle.

The candles of Advent remind us of key aspects of the Christmas story and the promises fulfilled in Jesus. Let’s explore the meaning of each candle and how these themes have been brought to life through the stories shared in our Sunday Worship Gatherings.

Hope – The Rost Family

The first candle, the Candle of Hope, reminds us of the promise of the Messiah and the faithfulness of God’s word. The Rost’s shared their story, reminding us that hope isn’t about our circumstances but about trusting the God who holds all things together. Their journey demonstrated how God’s promises anchor us even in the midst of loss.

Scripture Reading: Isaiah 40:9-11
Go on up to a high mountain, O Zion, herald of good news; lift up your voice with strength, O Jerusalem, herald of good news; lift it up, fear not; say to the cities of Judah, “Behold your God!” Behold, the Lord God comes with might, and his arm rules for him; behold, his reward is with him, and his recompense before him. He will tend his flock like a shepherd; he will gather the lambs in his arms; he will carry them in his bosom, and gently lead those that are with young.

Peace – The Taylor Family

The second candle, the Candle of Peace, points to the peace we find in Christ, the Prince of Peace. The Taylors’ story highlighted how God’s peace can be experienced even amidst life’s storms. Their testimony reminded us that true peace isn’t the absence of conflict but the presence of God in our lives.

Scripture Reading: Isaiah 9:2, 6-7
The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shone. … For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.

Joy – Andrew Tremble

The third candle, the Candle of Joy, celebrates the joy of salvation and the joy that Christ brings to all who believe in Him. Andrew Tremble’s story beautifully illustrated this joy, showing how God’s comfort and promises transform our lives, filling us with everlasting joy even in the midst of sorrow.

Scripture Reading: Isaiah 51:3, 11-12
For the Lord comforts Zion; he comforts all her waste places and makes her wilderness like Eden, her desert like the garden of the Lord; joy and gladness will be found in her, thanksgiving and the voice of song. … And the ransomed of the Lord shall return and come to Zion with singing; everlasting joy shall be upon their heads; they shall obtain gladness and joy, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away. “I, I am he who comforts you; who are you that you are afraid of man who dies, of the son of man who is made like grass?

Love – Coming This Sunday

The fourth candle, the Candle of Love, reflects the love of God made manifest in Jesus. This Sunday, we’ll share the final video in this series—a story that highlights the depth of God’s love for us and how it changes everything. Be sure to join us as we celebrate together and experience this story for the first time. After Sunday, the video will be available to watch here.

An Invitation to Celebrate Together

Advent is a time to pause, reflect, and rejoice in the greatest gift we’ve ever been given: Jesus Christ. We invite you to join us this Sunday as we celebrate the final week of Advent and prepare our hearts for Christmas. Let’s come together as a church family to reflect on the love that came down to us in the form of a baby, born to bring hope, peace, joy, and love to the world.